Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal
Robert U. Finnerty M.D. FACS
Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal
Robert U. Finnerty M.D. FACS

My testosterone levels are low, and my doctor suggested administering testosterone to improve my fertility. Is this a good idea?

I am surprised at how often this is recommended by primary care physicians; it is most definitely not a good idea!

Administering testosterone (shots, gels, patches, pills, etc.) will increase the blood levels of testosterone, but strongly inhibit the regulatory hormones FSH and LH, which results in a shutdown of sperm production. The administration of testosterone to men is in fact a very effective form of birth control! (although not ideal for many other reasons)

In many men, this condition can be treated with non-testosterone medications which stimulate the production of leutinizing hormone (LH) (which drives the production of testosterone by the testis) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (which stimulates sperm production or spermatogenesis). The most common medication currently used for this is clomiphene citrate, which blocks the effects of estrogen on its receptors, resulting in an increase in both FSH and LH. This will often result in a significant improvement in testosterone, and is often associated with an improvement in sperm count.

It should be noted that this drug, although commonly used in the treatment of female infertility, is not FDA approved for treatment of low testosterone in men or male infertility, and therefore this represents an off-label use of the drug. Nevertheless it does appear to be effective in many men for this condition, and is widely used by fertility specialists, although studies suggest the improvement in pregnancy rates is modest at best.

Aromatase inhibitors such as Arimidex, which block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, are also helpful in improving testosterone levels, but their effects on sperm production and fertility are inconsistent and often not very helpful.

It should be emphasized that the presence of low testosterone may be result of a number of clinical conditions, and a thorough evaluation by a specialist should be undertaken prior to considering these drugs.

Testimonials

My husband had his vasectomy nearly 13 years before the reversal, which resulted in the birth of our daughter.
R.B., California
Our family now has 7 blessings, 3 of which you had a very special part in. Thank you!
G.S., Alaska
A little over 5 years ago, my husband and I flew from Chicago to your office to have his vasectomy reversed. We both want you to know how grateful we are -- to you, to your staff, and for your expertise. Since the surgery, we have had Michael (almost 4!) and Mary Jo (10 months) ... We feel it is important for you to know what a difference you made in our lives, and what an awesome grace it was to have you as our surgeon. Words cannot convey how much we appreciate what you have made possible for us -- we will be eternally grateful!
C. & K.P., Chicago
We wanted to share our delightful news with you. We were blessed with a beautiful baby daughter in October.
D.W, Oregon
Our child is a true gift from God. God bless you for turning my vasectomy around after 30 years with so much care and love. We will always love you.
J.C., Tennessee
Thank you for helping our dreams come true.
J.W., Atlanta
My wife and I would like to give you and your staff a hearty "thank you" for the professionalism and care given us...following my son''s departure to our heavenly Father. Your calming manner and assurance that we had a reasonable chance at reattaching my vas deferens, which might allow us to get pregnant, was at fruition soon after our stay in Tacoma. 14 days following the procedure, my wife ... had become pregnant!. We lost our first son, and Dr. Finnerty, touched by God, enabled us to have another son ...
J.G., Washington
Thank you again for making possible the blessings God had in store for us in the way of children ...
T.P., Minnesota
I am writing to send our heartfelt thanks to you for your expertise. On September 9th, you performed my husband''s procedure. Three weeks later, we conceived our first daughter. She was born exactly 43 weeks post-op. Since then, we have welcomed a son and also another daughter. We''ll always be grateful.
M.H., Vancouver, WA
My husband had a vasectomy reversal four and one-half years ago performed by Dr. Finnerty. Three and one half years after, we were able to conceive a child. Our daughter is such a constant joy in our lives.
C.J., California
We have been so excited about our new son and he has been such a joyous addition to our family ... Thank you so much for your devotion and belief in vasectomy reversal, we have been so blessed by our little guy. Of course, he can never take the place of our daughter who died, but he sure brings new joy to us ... Again, thank you for all you did! We have been so blessed....
M.M., Camas, WA
Easter blessings to you and your family from us. We are having a special celebration and invite you to join us -- we celebrate the life of our new daughter.
C.K., California
We were very excited to learn just before Christmas that the surgery was a success. We saved the news for out kids until Christmas Eve and what a blessing their reaction was, it couldn''t have been a better Christmas present! We do thank you so much for providing your services at realistic fees, we could never have done it had there not been options other than what we found locally.
T.S., California
The reversal surgery was a great success! We are sorry we didn''t contact you sooner. Thank you again for your willingness to provide such a special service for families.
M.F., California
A child is God''s most precious gift. We joyfully announce the birth of our son.
J.C., Idaho